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Italian planting, with flowers
JoeX
Posts: 1,783
I’m planning an Italian theme, and thinking about planting and would be interested in your thoughts.
For the patio,
Thyme, rosemary, lavender, cypress goldcrest, blueberries in terracotta pots and planters. Bistro set, lanterns, wine bottles.
There’s a large cotoneaster dominating the scene, so in time, ultimately and if I can afford it a large, mature olive could be good.
For the terrace,
I’ve already planted cypress goldcrest (I like the colour and smell), with rudbeckia goldsturn and summerina brown. Not classic Italian colours, but if I add citrus trees I’m thinking it could work.
For the main garden,
A small amount of box helping define the main path and grape arches.
Large raised beds with cypress sempevirens, olive, laurel to give the formal pattern/structure. But with crocus, poppies, red/white gladioli, to add seasonal flowering.
Potentially a tall yew backdrop behind these beds, to give more formality and segregate the back of the garden which has swings, compost etc.
At the moment I’m kind of happy with the ideas, but I’m not sure the cypress goldcrest will work. I’m not sure how small I can buy the citrus trees and sempervirens, so they look okay this year but don’t cost a fortune.
There is probably a fair amount of shade being created, but given how much I fought to keep up with watering last year I’m not sure it will be a bad thing.
Please let me know your opinions, whatever they are!
For the patio,
Thyme, rosemary, lavender, cypress goldcrest, blueberries in terracotta pots and planters. Bistro set, lanterns, wine bottles.
There’s a large cotoneaster dominating the scene, so in time, ultimately and if I can afford it a large, mature olive could be good.
For the terrace,
I’ve already planted cypress goldcrest (I like the colour and smell), with rudbeckia goldsturn and summerina brown. Not classic Italian colours, but if I add citrus trees I’m thinking it could work.
For the main garden,
A small amount of box helping define the main path and grape arches.
Large raised beds with cypress sempevirens, olive, laurel to give the formal pattern/structure. But with crocus, poppies, red/white gladioli, to add seasonal flowering.
Potentially a tall yew backdrop behind these beds, to give more formality and segregate the back of the garden which has swings, compost etc.
At the moment I’m kind of happy with the ideas, but I’m not sure the cypress goldcrest will work. I’m not sure how small I can buy the citrus trees and sempervirens, so they look okay this year but don’t cost a fortune.
There is probably a fair amount of shade being created, but given how much I fought to keep up with watering last year I’m not sure it will be a bad thing.
Please let me know your opinions, whatever they are!
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Posts
Sounds lovely. When we went Ravello there was Morning Glory and Star Jasmine all over the place. We visited a garden which had roses rather formally laid out. There were a lot of statues and urns. When we went to Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore there were beds of bright coloured Busy-Lizzies in the gardens. Also Bougainvillea and hydrangeas.
I hadn’t really thought about creepers, I’ll look into your suggestions. We have some coming over from the neighbours I could replicate, and think I got some seeds from Madrid that could have a similar effect.
https://www.jparkers.co.uk/6-lavender-hidcote-1008598c
I read that April is the best time to plant, but I’d rather get it sorted now...would these 5cm module plants survive in the ground now (temp falling to zero this week), or need greenhouse attention?
I have a lavender hedge, Hidcote.
Although your plants will be hardy they are only babies so I would keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame until Spring. Also you won't know whether they were kept protected at the nursery before you buy them. Wrong time of year for hardening off, so best to play safe.
that looks lovely!
Good Luck with yours Tin pot. I hope your ideas work, I like the sound of the Goldcrest. My mother bought one last year and I liked the look of it, I keep forgetting to smell it to see if it really smells lemony?
I was going to suggest a "filler" for this year if you wanted exotic looking climbers the tender annual Ipomoea lobata, but doh it is "Spanish" flag not Italian. It does look exotic though. (Busy Lizzie saying Ipomoea made me think of it).
I'd say the goldcrest would be a good option. Easy to keep as they stay a good shape without much attention.
I'd agree with @Lyn - would be nice to see some phoots if you got it underway
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...